Lauren Justice | MLive.com
Three parcels of property owned by the airport could be given renaissance zone status, which means the property and development there is eligible for a 100 percent tax abatement for multiple taxes. It's part of a plan to increase the economic vitality of Genesee County and communities surrounding freeways and transportation hubs in neighboring counties.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The state is still reviewing materials to consider almost 1,600 acres of property, most of which is in Genesee County, for a 15-year tax break.

The I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development Corp. submitted a proposal to have multiple sites considered for renaissance zone status last month. An update on the request was given Tuesday, March 12, at the group's monthly meeting at Bishop International Airport.

The I-69 International Trade Corridor NMDC is a consortium of leaders from Genesee, Lapeer, Shiawasee and St. Clair counties. It works to market the areas transportation assets for economic development.

It is also one of five Next Michigan Development Corps., which are designated by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Strategic Fund. The other areas are metro Detroit, Lansing, Muskegon and Traverse City.

The request was submitted to the MEDC, which will make the determination on whether to grant the renaissance zone status for the properties.

The MEDC has requested tax information and assessor maps for the properties, which should be filed Wednesday, said James Smiertka, senior vice president and general counsel of the Prima Civitas Foundation.

The foundation is an East Lansing-based nonprofit that is assisting the board with strategies for economic development.

Almost 1,300 acres listed in the request is in Genesee County. The properties include 197 acres near Bishop International Airport in Flint; 232 acres in Grand Blanc and Grand Blanc Township where the General Motors Co. Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center is located; 336 acres near the rail line at Buick City in Flint; and 364 acres near Canadian National Railway Co.'s rail line in the cities of Flint and Burton.